Winter Weather Survival Kits for Your Car Important for Short Trips Too

News Date:

Monday, February 5, 2018 - 17:30

Even a short drive can turn into a dangerous one, especially during severe weather. The Cook County Department of Homeland Security and Emergency Management (DHSEM) advises residents to take extra precautions when driving during storms and to also keep an emergency kit in each of their vehicles in case they break down or get stuck during a storm.

A basic safety kit should include the following items:

Shovel

Windshield scraper and small broom

Flashlight with extra batteries

Battery powered radio

Water

Snack food, including energy bars

Matches and small candles

Extra hats, socks and mittens

First aid kit with pocket knife

Necessary medications

Blankets or sleeping bag

Tow chain or rope

Road salt, sand or cat litter for traction

Jumper cables

Emergency flares and reflectors

Fluorescent distress flag and whistle to attract attention

Cell phone adapter to plug into lighter

Kit tips:

Reverse batteries in flashlights to avoid accidentally switching them on and running down the battery.

Store items in the passenger compartment in case the trunk is jammed or frozen shut.

Other tips:

Gas tanks should be kept at least half full.

Travelers should always tell someone where they’re going and the route they‘ll take.

Stranded drivers should stay with their vehicles; walking in a storm can be very dangerous. Other vehicles may not see you or you may become lost or exhausted.

Always check conditions in and around your vehicle; snow can plug a vehicle's exhaust system and cause deadly carbon monoxide gas to enter the car.

If stranded for a prolonged period, only run the engine for 10 minutes an hour to conserve gas and make sure the exhaust pipe is free of snow.

Keeping a window open a crack while running the engine, is also a good idea to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning.